FOOTBALL is always evolving, but the actual ball hasn't changed that much in design over the years — until now.
Adidas has announced its official Euro 2024 football with a never-before-seen feature designed to revolutionise matches.
What is a robot ball?
Adidas' new football for the Euros is called the "Fussballliebe" — which translates into English as "love of football".
The German manufacturer's latest effort features technology that will change the way the game is officiated.
The "robot ball" can track stats — such as ball speed and rotations.
Are there illegal baby names? Surprising monikers that are BANNED in other countries, from Sarah to Thomas
In addition, it's claimed that the ball will also assist in handball and penalty decisions.
Similar technology was used with success at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
How will the microchipped robot ball be used in Euro 2024 games?
Premier League fans have grown tired of watching VAR officials drawing lines on a screen.
But at the 2024 Euros, semi-automated offsides will be used thanks in part to the Fussballliebe.
It will feature Connected Ball Technology, which enables quick semi-automated offside decisions.
This tech can help VAR officials in their decision making with Adidas claiming it will "reduce time spent resolving handball and penalty incidents".
Euro 2024 will mark the first time in the competition's long history that semi-automated offsides will be used.
VAR was first introduced in 2016.
How to watch Euro 2024 games
Both ITV and BBC will be showing Euro 2024 matches.
All the games will also be available on BBC iPlayer and ITVX respectively.
All about Rachel Nickell who was murdered in front of her son Alex Hanscombe
TV for the knockout rounds of the tournament will be announced in due course.
However, some allocation for them has already been made.
ITV will have the first three picks plus the fifth and seventh picks in the Round of 16 games.
BBC will then have the first and third picks for the Quarter-finals.
For the Semi-final, ITV will have the first pick.
Both broadcasters will then show the July 14 Final on their respective channels.
